From juggling a degree to training multiple times a week, finding success in and out of the classroom can be a demanding yet rewarding matter for international student-athletes. At USC, there are currently around 80 international student-athletes on varsity rosters, according to USC’s Athletics website. Being a part of an athletic program requires lots of careful planning and curating a successful sports career before graduating high school.

“When they reached out to me, I got in contact with the recruiter, and then I started sending over my transcripts, because [USC is] really big on grades, ” said Racquil Broderick, a thrower on the track and field team and a sophomore majoring in real estate development. “Same thing with Common App. I had so much writing to do, I was like, ‘Get me free!’”

Finding a place in USC’s athletics took more than just traveling to the United States. Hailing from Port Maria, Jamaica, Broderick worked for months to make sure that he had everything prepared to make the transition from high school athletics in Jamaica to college sports in Los Angeles. He arrived excited for new opportunities, but was met with initial challenges.

“I’d say my accent [was a small challenge,]” Broderick said. “And sometimes [other athletes] don’t really think that I’m a real student. I’m like, ‘Why do you think I’m here?’”

However, as he adjusted to his schedule as a full-time student and athlete, Broderick has provided support to his peers and fellow athletes as co-president of the International Student Athlete Association.

“I advocate on behalf of the students to the Big Ten on what issues we have, and we try to resolve [the issues] across all the Big Ten schools,” Broderick said.

Fanni Muzsnay, a senior from Hungary majoring in psychology, was an attacker on the women’s water polo team up until last season. After recovering from a sports-related injury that led to a headache disorder, she’s had to come to terms with the mental effects that it can have on an athlete.

“When you get injured, you have to navigate that and find yourself, who you are when you’re not an athlete,” Muzsnay said. “My whole life I’ve been playing water polo now for 16 years … So not being able to perform was a huge shift in my identity.”

Creating a strong bond both in and out of the classroom has also made it easier for students like Broderick and Minna Abraham, a sophomore on USC’s swim team majoring in business administration from Hungary, to be able to balance their academic and athletic commitments. Abraham was able to find support through her academic advisors and professors.

“We have academic advisors who really help us coordinate,” Abraham said. “And even the professors, they’re really good at being open about it, and giving me the chance to do [tests] earlier, or later.”

This support can be helpful for international student-athletes, especially when it comes to navigating a new environment and getting adjusted to new cultures and communities.

“When you come here as an international [student] … you become independent, just like that,” Muzsnay said. “I had a very hard time just getting used to that, with the culture shock and trying to fit into the team, and trying to get to know your teammates, and going to classes. It’s very, very challenging to do all those together.”

USC offers International Student Services that focuses on ensuring that they are “making the most of their experience.” Like Broderick, Muzsnay initially had difficulties in adjusting to life in the U.S., but was able to seek out resources and opportunities to build connections.

“I go to a yoga studio, which is amazing,” Muzsnay said. “That has actually been the biggest support system that I found, other than meeting other peers who actually have been going through similar challenges as me.”

As USC’s decorated athletics program grows, more Trojans are aiming to compete in the next Olympics. With L.A. hosting the Summer Olympics in 2028, Broderick, Abraham and Muzsnay all have plans on making their mark on a larger playing field.

“I have Olympic dreams,” Muzsnay said. “My next goal is to be in the Hungarian National Team, and then the long term goal is to make it to the 2028 Olympics, which would be a full circle moment to come back [here].”

In addition to playing Division I sports, Abraham is working towards competing in the Summer Olympics and staying in the U.S. after graduation. While representing Hungary in the 2024 games, Abraham made it to the semifinals for the 200 meter freestyle in Paris.

“The Olympics was just crazy,” Abraham said. “It was a lifelong dream I’ve been chasing, just being there, representing my country and swimming.”

For Broderick, he began to recognize L.A. as a new home. He’s found a new community and support system that has allowed him to thrive both academically and professionally. Broderick wants to complete his master’s degree and compete in the Olympics in L.A.

Beyond academic resources, international student-athletes also find support within their teammates, especially during competitions and events.

“They’re all cheering for you,” Abraham said. “Last year at the [Pacific-12 Championships], it was like they were all yelling out there, and it was just like that team culture of cheering you on and everyone being happy for everybody’s success.”